Oh darling, have you heard? It's 20th March 2007, which means it's officially "Tutu Tuesday"! (Okay, I know it's not really, but I'm a ballet writer, so I can bend the rules, darling!). Honestly, there's something just so joyous about the humble tutu, don't you think? That whimsical poof of tulle that transforms any mere mortal into a graceful goddess of the stage.
But hold onto your sequins, lovelies, because I'm about to unleash a little truth bomb - **the tutu isn't just about looking pretty** (although, let's be honest, looking utterly divine is a bonus). Tutus have a fascinating history, and they've been around much longer than those ridiculous leg warmers you tried to rock back in the '80s. Remember those, darlings? Honestly, those were just the peak of atrocious fashion - thank goodness they stayed firmly in the 80s where they belonged. Anyway, back to the tutu!
The very first tutus, those tiny, little meringue numbers, were all the rage back in the 19th century. And I do mean **tiny** - imagine trying to leap and twirl in those, darlings! A little risky, I'd say! These "classical" tutus are practically knee-length and have a rather restrictive, almost severe shape to them. Think of the dainty tutu as the "power suit" of the dance world! All very prim and proper, but powerful too, right? And if you're thinking "That doesn't sound terribly comfortable," well, you'd be right. Think of them as a 'less is more' type of affair. You see, it's about showing off those long, elegant legs, not creating a puffy cushion around the middle!
Now, darling, in the world of dance, there's more than just one kind of tutu - we are not living in a monochrome world, darlings! And thatâs where it gets more interesting. First, there's the "Romantic Tutu" which is a tad longer than the classical, making it more "flowy" - much better for swirling around in the middle of the stage, darling. Then you have the "Waltzing Tutu." Now, this little number is long - weâre talking floor length here. You wonât find a dancer pirouette in one of these - theyâre made for waltzing! Then we have the **' tutu a la Francaise'. ** (Ooh, just saying the name makes me think of croissants and delicious Parisian street cafeĚ food!) This beauty is a full-length tutu, typically worn in the **âPaquitaâ** ballet. If youâre looking for pure visual drama then you must watch **âPaquitaâ**, the **âtutu a la Francaiseâ** is the star of the show. This is the ultimate ballerina dream, a classic and elegant number that gives the ultimate âtwirling with styleâ feel, just look at those exquisite lines. Imagine them! You can see them through my words! This is ballet at itâs most theatrical, but oh so graceful! And that's where those lovely long legs and feet, that's where it gets all sexy, darling! Imagine swirling around a stage in a flowing white **âtutu a la Francaiseâ** like the ultimate dream! So many things make me swoon about ballet and a great **âtutu a la Francaiseâ** makes the ultimate impact for sure!
Now letâs get to the nitty gritty about the humble tutu! You are absolutely, definitely, most certainly not a ballerina if you have never tried a tutu on - and by âtriedâ I do mean, actually put on and **whirled around in a room by yourself, darling.** The tutu has that kind of magical power, Iâm sure every woman (or man! let's be open-minded, darlings) can see what I'm talking about!
I wouldnât dream of not sharing a few styling tips for **Tutu Tuesday!** Here's what makes my dance loving heart sing, darlings!
Tutu styling secrets:- If youâre going to rock the tutu, embrace your inner princess and go for a fully pink ensemble â ballet shoes, leotard, pink tulle, everything pink. Be pink all over, you wonât regret it!
- If you have legs for days, then this is the look for you! Keep your upper body slender and stylish â simple and elegant. A nice little leotard or top in black and an updo for your hair.
- If you have a more fuller figure, then try a **âtutu a la Francaiseâ** or maybe a romantic style â just choose a softer material.
- If your personal style is boho, then go for a floor length skirt or 'tutu a la Francaise' but team it with boots. For the perfect modern bohemian feel!
- And remember the most important part: donât forget to go out, show it off, twirl, spin and move and let that tutu flow - thatâs what it's designed to do! Be your most fabulous, creative, fun, sparkly self, darling!
But honestly, darlings, whether it's a grand stage debut or just a playful whirl around your living room, the tutu always has the power to elevate an ordinary day to something truly magical. So, next time you see one, don't just admire it from afar, go ahead, grab it and twirl, my darling, twirl!